February 2001

Pygmy Jazz breaks through

Some of the Finnish participants of the British-Finnish Polar Jazz project have been breaking new ground with ethno-jazz music. By fusing jazz and various ethnic musical styles from African Pygmy music to Saami yoiku, the musicians have, according to Helsingin Sanomat (17 February 2001), created "an exceptionally exciting mood".

Launching a tour of what they call Pygmy Jazz were Sirkka Moström (vocals), Jari Perkiömäki (alto sax and clarinet), Mika Mylläri (trumpet and didjeridoo), Samuli Mikkonen (piano), Jorma Ojanperä (bass) and Markus Ketola (drums). The first concert was held in the Ateneum in Helsinki. The music was composed and adapted from ethnic sources by Moström, Perkiömäki and Mylläri.

Helsingin Sanomat jazz critic Jukka Hauru said that for the young jazz lions the various ethnic musical sources seemed to offer an unexpectedly important springboard.

"At best, the performances were fantastic and the interaction between musicians exceptionally sensitive. The same musicians have proven their credentials together and separately in dozens of contexts but this very combination had a magical chemistry.

"Also the dynamically multifarious, dance-like and fresh themes were a joy to listen to."

Followers of Polar Jazz may remember Mika Mylläri's imaginative use of the didjeridoo at Vortex Jazz Club in London in May 2000.

See also:

• Jazz life in Helsinki (12 February 2001)
• The art of falling in love by Ed Jones
• Polar Jazz: European jazz redefined by Chris Parker
• Naxos has faith in Finnish musicians (Helsingin Sanomat, International Edition), 7 February 2001

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